Althenia Morrow-Tate & Tuscaloosa AKAs Drive Change Through Service

Townsend Nissan proudly presents the 2026 Black History Makers of Alabama, a celebration of excellence, impact, and legacy.

This special initiative is brought to you by Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and The Tuscaloosa Thread, alongside our valued community partners, the Tuscaloosa Branch of the NAACP and the Tuscaloosa County–West Alabama Chapter of the NPHC, united in honoring the individuals who shape our community and inspire the next generation.

2026 Black History Maker of Alabama – Althenia Morrow-Tate

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.^® - Eta Xi Omega Chapter

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Chartered in Purpose, Rooted in Tuscaloosa

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.^® - Eta Xi Omega Chapter was chartered on November 11, 1961, in the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, marking a significant milestone in Tuscaloosa County.

The historic Benjamin Barnes Branch of the YMCA served as the setting for the chartering ceremony, led by South Eastern Regional Director Julia Brogdon Purnell of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Following the ceremony, she installed the chapter’s first slate of officers, conducted an operations workshop, toured Tuscaloosa, and connected with 17 interested students at Stillman College.

Advancing the Mission Through Service

Currently, “the chapter comprises over 200 members from various professions who are committed to service to all mankind,” said Eta Xi Omega Chapter President, Althenia Morrow-Tate.

Since 1961, Eta Xi Omega has stood as a powerful force for service and progress throughout Tuscaloosa County. Through diverse community-centered efforts, the chapter consistently improves the quality of life for African Americans by championing education, civil rights, health and wellness, children, and economic empowerment.

The current Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.^® International Program Initiatives include Strengthen Our Sisterhood, Empower Our Families, Build Our Economic Wealth, Enhance Our Environment, Advocate for Social Justice, and Uplift Our Local Community.

Eta Xi Omega is led by President Althenia Morrow-Tate, who was initiated in the Gamma Eta Chapter on December 15, 1980, and transferred to the Eta Xi Omega Chapter in 1990 after beginning her teaching career with Tuscaloosa County Schools.

She has been married to Mr. J. Louis Tate for 36 years, and they have one adult son.

During her time with Eta Xi Omega Chapter, she has held various positions such as, She has held the following offices and positions in Eta Xi Omega: Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Financial Secretary, Chaplain, Parliamentarian, Scholarship Committee Chair, Golden Soror Committee, Founders’ Day Committee, Regional Conference Choir, Awards Committee, Boule Choir, Undergraduate Mentor, and Sergeant at Arms.

Black History in Alabama is meaningful because the contributions of Black Americans have shaped our state and nation, from the Civil Rights Movement to advancement in education and public service, making it woven into the fabric of Alabama.

In 2026, she started her second year as president, where her leadership style is “democratic participative, focusing on encouraging members to contribute to the decision-making process, with a unity and transparency theme,” said Tate.

Grounded in Alpha Kappa Alpha’s guiding principle of “service to all mankind,” Tate embodies and deeply believes in this commitment. She has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to service through her volunteer work at the DCH Manderson Cancer Center, where she spent seven years welcoming and assisting patients. Her dedication to education and the arts is reflected in her service as a Reading Allies volunteer and her leadership as Chair of the Tuscaloosa Links Arts Facet from 2021 to 2025.

Before her move to Tuscaloosa, Tate began her teaching career in Knoxville, Tennessee, as a ninth-grade English teacher with Knoxville City Schools at Rule High School, where she served ten years until the school’s closure in 1990. She enjoyed those ten years by serving as a Department Chair, Cheerleader Sponsor, National Honor Society Sponsor, Drama Team Coach, and Student Government Advisor.

Awards and Recognition

Excellence in education has been defined throughout her career, marked by consistent recognition for her outstanding work. Her accolades include:

• Teacher of the Year, Knoxville City Schools (two-time recipient)
• Teacher of the Year, Holt Elementary School (three-time recipient)
• Teacher of the Year, Lloyd Wood Middle School
• Teacher of the Year, Sipsey Valley Middle School (District Winner)
• Fellow, The Ohio State University Graduate School

Black History Month reminds African Americans of our strength, endurance, and unwavering faith, and reconnects us to heroes of the past. - Althenia Morrow-Tate

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa thanks Townsend Nissan for supporting our yearly Black History Makers of Alabama spotlight. Be sure to visit them at 2620 Skyland E Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.

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